Comparison

iNet vs Desktop Computer by Shells

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

iNet

Discover all devices on your local network, analyze services, and manage connected devices. Remotely control Macs and PCs, monitor network status, and customize device identification. This tool offers comprehensive network insights for both technical and casual users.

Highlights
  • Device discovery (IP, MAC)
  • Customizable device names and icons
  • Port and service scanning
  • Wake on LAN/WAN
  • Remote Mac control (sleep, restart)
  • Bonjour service monitoring
  • Airport base station status
Features
Read full description

iNet – Know Your Network. See at a glance what’s happening on your network. Which devices are connected to your Wi-Fi? Are there any unknown devices? Which services are active? iNet gives you a clear overview of what’s happening on your local network – and provides the right tools for a closer analysis. Whether at home or as a network professional, iNet lets you scan your network, identify connected devices, find active services and open ports, and wake Macs, PCs, and other devices remotely. Give your devices custom names and icons so you can recognize them instantly the next time you scan your network. With this free and ad-free version of iNet, you can scan your network and view all connected devices. The features listed here can be unlocked later via an in-app purchase if needed. Network Scanner • Find all devices on your network • View IP and MAC addresses and other device information • Assign custom names and icons to your devices • Set IP scan ranges and network interfaces • Export scan results as CSV or PDF • Connect directly via SSH, VNC, HTTP, and other services Bonjour Monitor • Monitor Bonjour services in real time • See which services are available on individual devices • View detailed information about services and domains Port Scanner • Find open ports on all devices • Use predefined port scan lists Wake on LAN • Wake Macs, PCs, and other compatible devices over LAN or the Internet • Put Macs to sleep, shut them down, or restart them remotely • Execute SSH commands • Save frequently used devices as favorites Help & Documentation • Built-in help in German and English Privacy Included. Your network data stays with you. iNet collects no user data and requires no account or sign-in. There are no subscriptions or recurring fees. Buy iNet once – future updates are included. Developed and maintained in Germany since 2010. iNet is also available as a native Mac and iPad version.

About

Desktop Computer by Shells

Access your cloud-based virtual desktop for daily computing tasks. Edit documents, run desktop applications, create media content, and browse the web from anywhere. Requires an existing account.

Highlights
  • Cloud virtual desktop access
  • Daily computing tasks
  • Document editing and creation
  • Access desktop applications
  • Audio and video content creation
  • Internet browsing
Read full description

The Shells™ App connects you to your Shells cloud computer. Shells™ provides a virtual desktop computer in the cloud. Shells cloud computers can be used for your daily computing needs from editing and creating documents, accessing desktop applications, creating audio and video content, and surfing the internet. You need an existing Shells account in order to use this app.

Screenshots

iNet4 screens
Desktop Computer by Shells4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: iNet at 77% against Desktop Computer by Shells's 25%. iNet also leads on rating (4.5 vs 3.4) and ratings volume (2.5K vs 12). Desktop Computer by Shells's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (13.4 vs 15.0). On price and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. iNet sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. Desktop Computer by Shells asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

iNet holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: iNet has 2.5K ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 77% of iNet's written reviews are positive against 25% of Desktop Computer by Shells's.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
iNet versus Desktop Computer by Shells: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameteriNetDesktop Computer by Shells
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.5 (2.5K ratings) — better3.4 (12 ratings)
Positive reviews76.9% of reviews — better25.0% of reviews
Number of ratings2.5K — better12
Update frequencyEvery 5 weeks—
AdsNo—
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhone, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod — better
Requires iOS15.013.4 — better
Further details — not scored
Size72 MB25 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperBananaGlue GmbHE Shells Inc.

Customer experience

iNet

All ratings2,540 ratings
Positive88.9%
Neutral4.4%
Negative6.6%
Written reviews667 reviews
Positive76.9%
Neutral6.0%
Negative17.1%

Desktop Computer by Shells

All ratings12 ratings
Positive58.3%
Neutral8.3%
Negative33.3%
Written reviews4 reviews
Positive25.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative75.0%

Bugs and requests

iNet

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Crashes and freezes on certain devices
  • Inability to restore premium purchases
  • Scanning issues on networks with many devices

Requested features

5 requests
  • Option to disable location permissions
  • Ability to view MAC addresses
  • More customization options
  • Improved iPad support
  • Expanded network monitoring and management tools

Desktop Computer by Shells

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

1 purchases

iNet

One-time1
  • iNet Pro upgrade$9.99
None

Desktop Computer by Shells

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is iNet free?
iNet is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Desktop Computer by Shells free?
Desktop Computer by Shells is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, iNet or Desktop Computer by Shells?
iNet is rated higher. iNet averages 4.5 out of 5 from 2.5K ratings, while Desktop Computer by Shells averages 3.4 from 12 ratings.

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